Petoskey

We are now on the Northern Michigan adventure of the Great Loop. We left Canada to head straight to Mackinac Island. We were able to check back into the states using a video phone at the docks in the marina. It was a simple process for us. We had a Frequent Boater Card and BR Number from our previous trips to the Bahamas. This worked for us on their check in process. We were now in Northern Michigan, more specifically Mackinac Island, a prime tourist destination.

Growing up in Michigan you would have thought that I had been to Mackinac Island, but this was my first time and I was excited. Our stay was close to our 26th Wedding Anniversary so we planned for a special dinner at the Grand Hotel. They can seat over 1,000 people for dinner, but the quality of the food and service is above average. We got to tour the grounds and inside and tried to imagine what it must have been like years ago with people arriving with steamer trunks for the summer. When you are on the Loop you look for these special moments and this was one of them. Also, Mackinac is a special place when you are from Port Huron and I was delighted to see this picture on the wall at the Pink Pony.

However, must of our memories involve fudge and ferries. Anyone who has been to Mackinac knows that fudge is everywhere. We got ours! But, mostly it was the memories of the ferries in conjunction with bad weather and wind. All day long numerous ferry boats arrive with tourists and they dock within the marina. Their wake slams all of the boats against the pilings and the docks. We were constantly adjusting our fenders and our lines and we were not alone. All of the boats were rocking, including one trawler where they actually got seasick from the wave action. We were there three days and it was a relief to be away from that turbulence. Read more →